Happy Mondays is an iconic band hailing from Salford, Greater Manchester, that played a crucial role in the Madchester cultural scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Formed in 1980, the band was fronted by the perma-grinning Shaun Ryder and included his brother Paul Ryder on bass, Mark Day on guitar, Paul Davis on keyboards, and Gary Whelan on drums, with the inimitable Mark "Bez" Berry later joining as a dancer and percussionist. The group became renowned for their fusion of psychedelia, funk, and dance music, which produced a unique sound that resonated with the burgeoning rave culture of the time.

The Happy Mondays' breakthrough came with their 1988 album "Bummed," but it was the 1990 release of "Pills 'N' Thrills and Bellyaches," produced by Paul Oakenfold and Steve Osborne, that propelled them to international fame. Hits like "Step On" and "Kinky Afro" became anthems of the era, symbolizing the hedonistic club culture that defined a generation. Despite internal conflicts, drug issues, and the commercial failure of their 1992 album "...Yes Please," the band left an indelible mark on British music history. After disbanding in 1993, they have enjoyed several reunions, with live performances and re-releases, such as the "Bummed (Collector's Edition)," reminding fans of their heyday and securing their status as cult legends of the Madchester scene.

Genres

Britpop

Dance Rock

Madchester

Related Artists

The Stone Roses

Primal Scream

James

The Charlatans

New Order

Oasis

Inspiral Carpets

The La's

The Smiths

Bee Gees

808 State

INXS

Latest Release

Tart Tart

Happy Mondays

Single - Released July 28, 2022